A Streetcar Named Desire: Scene 10

Understanding the Scene

Scene 10 of A Streetcar Named Desire is one of the most dramatic moments of the play, reaching a climax with the violent confrontation between Blanche and Stanley.
The scene plays out in the Kowalski’s apartment on a hot night, with Blanche’s delusions and paranoia intensifying, generating an incredibly tense atmosphere.
Blanche’s fabricated wealth and aristocratic pretensions collapse under Stanley’s scornful revelations, thus symbolizing the overwhelming dominance of reality over illusion.
The final horrendous act perpetrated by Stanley underlines a complete shift of power in his favour, leaving Blanche completely shattered and incapable of differentiating between fact and fiction.

Characters

Blanche DuBois: In this scene, Blanche’s worst fears come to life; her delusions crumble exposing her vulnerability and clinging need for companionship.
Stanley Kowalski: Stanley, in his most devastating avatar, illustrates the primal, brutal side of masculinity that sees no place for compassion, courtesy or consent.
Stella Kowalski: Absent in person but present in the repercussions; Stella’s pregnancy serves as a catalyst for Stanley’s ruthless assault on Blanche.

Themes

Reality vs Illusion: The lines between these two blur as the scene progresses; Blanche immerses herself into delusion as a means of escape from the harsh confrontation with Stanley.
Confrontation: New and bitter truths are revealed during the intense dialogue between Stanley and Blanche, pushing both characters to their emotional limits.
Power & Authority: Scene 10 marks Stanley’s assertion of complete authority and dominance over Blanche, marking the poignant end of Blanche’s futile resistances.

Important Quotes

“I don’t want realism. I want magic.” - Blanche. This quote underscores Blanche’s desperate denial of reality, craving for a world teeming with magic and beauty.
“We’ve had this date with each other from the beginning.” - Stanley. This chilling quote foreshadows the climax, revealing Stanley’s malevolent intent.

Literary Style and Devices

Symbolism permeates the scene through the use of light, which represents the harsh reality that Blanche strives to eschew and the paper lantern that symbolises her temporary shield from the truth.
Williams uses foreshadowing when Stanley’s intrusion in the bathtub scene pre-empts the brutal end of the scene.
The usage of irony is thought-provoking when Stanley hands Blanche a bus ticket back to Laurel, which is her actual watershed moment, not the illusionary cruise.

Closely examining Scene 10 of ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ will enable you to craft a compelling analysis of its critical themes, impactful character development and the author’s skilful use of literary devices.